The Public Aid Organization (PAO) has announced the establishment of a Community Advisory Center in Erbil, as part of the project “Improving Human Rights Conditions and Enhancing Democratic Participation,” funded by NPA. This initiative aims to strengthen the role of civil society organizations in civic engagement and community representation.
From April 15 to 16, 2026, PAO conducted the first capacity-building training sessions for the advisory council following the establishment of the city’s civil society advisory platform. The training targeted five civil society organizations, equipping their representatives with skills in collaborative work, civic participation, and community influence.
A total of eight participants took part in the training, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusive representation and enhancing their role in local decision-making processes.
This activity is part of a broader PAO initiative to establish community advisory centers in Basra, Baghdad, and Erbil, serving as inclusive platforms for local civil society organizations.
These centers are expected to:
- Provide ongoing consultation for project activities
- Represent community voices and priorities
- Strengthen communication between citizens, local authorities, and the project implementation team
PAO emphasized that this initiative marks an important step toward supporting human rights and enhancing democratic participation by empowering civil society organizations and strengthening their role in serving communities.
